Case Studies
Tankan Orange Farm: Three Generations of Commitment
Motobu, Japan
Overview
Since ancient times, Tankan oranges have been greatly valued in Okinawa for their sweet taste and abundant juice.
Introduced from China around 1896, these oranges thrive in Okinawa's unique climate.
Tokashiki Farm, a family business, has been growing Tankan for over 50 years.
For over 30 years (as of 2025), they have adopted EM Technology into their farming practices to ensure high quality fruit production.
Introduced from China around 1896, these oranges thrive in Okinawa's unique climate.
Tokashiki Farm, a family business, has been growing Tankan for over 50 years.
For over 30 years (as of 2025), they have adopted EM Technology into their farming practices to ensure high quality fruit production.
Challenges
Like many fruit farms, Tokashiki Farm faced challenges such as maintaining soil health, reducing pesticide use, and mitigating bird damage.
To improve their growing methods while protecting the environment, they sought a natural and effective approach to farming.
To improve their growing methods while protecting the environment, they sought a natural and effective approach to farming.
EM Application
To achieve sustainable agriculture, Tokashiki Farm applies a seawater AEM (Activated EM・1) solution by mixing 3% salt with AEM. This mixture is generously applied to the base of the trees twice a year, in March-April and September-October.
Inspired by a lecture by Prof. Teruo Higa at Meio University, the farm also incorporates salt into its practices, applying approximately 1250kg annually to improve soil and plant health.
In 2018, to address significant crop damage caused by birds, their farm installed a rectification barrier under the guidance of technical staff from the EM Research Organization.
This innovation resulted in a significant reduction in bird related losses, leading to more stable harvests.
Inspired by a lecture by Prof. Teruo Higa at Meio University, the farm also incorporates salt into its practices, applying approximately 1250kg annually to improve soil and plant health.
In 2018, to address significant crop damage caused by birds, their farm installed a rectification barrier under the guidance of technical staff from the EM Research Organization.
This innovation resulted in a significant reduction in bird related losses, leading to more stable harvests.
Results and Effects
- By integrating EM Technology, Tokashiki Farm has significantly improved tree growth and extended the shelf life of their Tankan oranges. The farm has successfully reduced pesticide use to less than half the typical amount, creating a healthier environment for both farmers and consumers.
- Their Tankan oranges are known for their exceptional sweetness and rich flavor, making them in great demand.
- They harvest approximately 5 to 6 tons of oranges annually.
- Moving forward, Tokashiki Farm plans to expand into lemons using the same sustainable farming methods.
- Since 2015, Tokashiki Farm's low-pesticide and low-chemical fertilizer Tankan oranges have been sold at the EM Hotel's store (KURASHINO HAKKO STORE OKINAWA). Due to their outstanding quality and popularity, they always sell out quickly during the sales period from mid-January to February.
- Through dedication and innovation, Tokashiki Farm continues to set an example of how EM Technology can improve agricultural sustainability while delivering high quality produce to consumers.
- Their Tankan oranges are known for their exceptional sweetness and rich flavor, making them in great demand.
- They harvest approximately 5 to 6 tons of oranges annually.
- Moving forward, Tokashiki Farm plans to expand into lemons using the same sustainable farming methods.
- Since 2015, Tokashiki Farm's low-pesticide and low-chemical fertilizer Tankan oranges have been sold at the EM Hotel's store (KURASHINO HAKKO STORE OKINAWA). Due to their outstanding quality and popularity, they always sell out quickly during the sales period from mid-January to February.
- Through dedication and innovation, Tokashiki Farm continues to set an example of how EM Technology can improve agricultural sustainability while delivering high quality produce to consumers.
(March 2025)
